The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southeast report

  • Anambra needs N150bn to complete roads 

    Anambra needs N150bn to complete roads 

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka 

    Anambra State government says it requires at least N150 billion to complete both old and new road projects in the state.

    The government also declares  that no road project has been abandoned in the state, adding that the present administration would complete all the ongoing projects soon

    The state Commissioner for Works , Marcel ifejiofor, stated these while briefing reporters at the government House, Friday in Awka, Anambra State

    He said, “No road has been abandoned in Anambra. All the projects are still going on both those awarded by the previous and present administrations.

    Ifejiofor, said roads in Nigeria were divided; federal, state, local and community, adding that they were based on weight.

    According to him, “Federal roads are most times interstate and need approval to be worked on, including the state one and they go with different specifications.

    Read Also: Abia governor seeks action on federal roads

    “Before the federal government  works on state roads, they seek our approval and we give them our specification. Our standard here is drain to drain, and for us to allow anyone, he must meet these specifications.

    “In Nnewi, the chairman of the local government  wrote us that some people are working on a road and there are a lot of obstructions.

    “We sent our team to know the kind of road. There is a set engineering standard. You must cut in squares with a cutter and not with a digger or bulldozer.

    “The road being worked upon by some people in Nnewi  is a federal road, so we wrote to the federal controller who said they are not aware.

    He said the State government should be happy that some roads were being worked on by individuals which he said had been the mantra by Governor Willie Obiano’s administration,  adding that the person must seek approval first

  • Innoson Group lauds Ugwuanyi for favourable investment climate in Enugu

    Innoson Group lauds Ugwuanyi for favourable investment climate in Enugu

    Our Reporter 

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innoson Group of Companies, Chief (Dr.) Innocent Chukwuma, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for “ensuring an enabling environment and a favourable investment climate for commercial activities to thrive within the state.”

    Chief Chukwuma who made the commendation during the launch of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd’s novel city transportation service in the state, “aptly christened IVM Cruise”, thanked Ugwuanyi for his presence at the epoch-making event, stressing that it was an attestation to his commitment to business development and youth empowerment.

    Represented by a Director of the Board of Innoson Group, Mr. Alfred Nwosu, the chairman disclosed that flag-off was “indeed auspicious as it is the realization of our company’s vision to among other things contribute to the financial empowerment of our people while transforming the city transportation system of our beloved Enugu.”

    Read Also; ‘No govt has developed Uzo-Uwani like Ugwuanyi administration’

    He explained that the IVM Cruise service “is a unique technology-driven ride hailing service which offers our pilots a good chance of becoming dignified transporters and owners of brand new Innoson Connect Vehicles after an initial period of three years.”

    Launching the service, Governor  Ugwuanyi noted that it was reminiscent of global brands such as Uber Technologies, inc. and Lyft inc., and will go a long way to improve transportation in the state, create jobs for the teeming youths, reduce poverty and offer opportunity for startups in transportation business, “as the beneficiaries could become owners of the vehicles after initial three years.”

    The governor, who announced that his administration was prepared to provide training for the drivers engaged in the IVM Cruise service, directed the state ministry of transport to recruit more staff for the State Traffic Management Authority.

  • Ex-Anambra Governor Obi to appear before panel

    Ex-Anambra Governor Obi to appear before panel

    By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

    Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is to appear before the State Judicial Panel of Enquiry on police brutality, extra-judicial killings and other related matters.

    The panel hinted this on Thursday following allegations leveled against him by a victim of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and owner of the demolished Upper Class Hotel in Onitsha, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe.

    The hotelier alleged that Obi ordered the police to demolish his hotel without prior investigation indicting him.

    Read Also; I was locked in SARS cell next to a shrine, witness tells panel

    He alleged that the former governor was influenced by some powerful people in Onitsha.

    Following his narration, the panel chairman, Justice V. N. Umeh, told the victim’s counsel, Prof Umeh Nweke, to seek an addendum to their earlier petition instead of the narration that would gulp the panel’s time.

    The chairman assured the victim that everyone mentioned in the case, including the police, would be invited to appear before the panel.

    Before the panel moved to other petitions, it gave Mokwe up to 26 November, 2020, to file his addendum.

  • Wike: we have silenced APC, others in Rivers

    Wike: we have silenced APC, others in Rivers

    By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said his administration’s achievements killed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties in the state.

    Wike, who spoke at a reception to welcome APC members to PDP, said his party had performed well under his administration.

    Leaders who joined the PDP were former Director of Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Henry Ogiri; APC Southsouth Administrative Officer Gloria Boma; Mr. Lolo Ibieneye and Alhaji Hassan Douglas among others.

    A statement by Wike’s media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said the APC has continued to give excuses for its failure after it orchestrated the unfortunate conspiracy to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from office.

    The statement reads: “Are things better today? So why do you allow people tell you lies. How long can you continue to listen to the lies of the APC. They have nothing for Nigerians. It is unfortunate that there was a conspiracy to remove a Niger Delta person as President.”

    The governor, who bemoaned the marginalisation of Rivers, regretted that many years after the Federal Government awarded the N120 billion Bodo-Bonny Road, it had failed to provide its counterpart funding, allowing only the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to finance the project.

    Wike noted that ahead of the 2023 elections, the APC had started making promises to build a University of Transport, develop a deep sea port and industrial park in the state.

    According to the governor, the PDP provided the only hope for Nigerians, and congratulated the defectors for their courage to return to the party.

    “I thank you for this bold step. Only a wicked man who does not like good things will not see what we are doing in Port Harcourt. With our achievements, we have killed any party that wants to raise its head.”

  • EEDC worker electrocuted in Onitsha

    EEDC worker electrocuted in Onitsha

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    A worker with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) Morris Nonyia has been reportedly electrocuted in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    It was gathered that Nonyia was on illegal operation at Ojedi Street, Inland town.

    The deceased, a native of Inyi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, was recently promoted.

    A resident said the deceased was working at power installations in the area when power was restored.

    The Nation gathered that he was rushed to hospital where he was certified dead by a doctor. His body was thereafter deposited at the Onitsha General Hospital mortuary.

    EEDC’s Head of Communications Emeka Ezeh confirmed the incident. He described it as unfortunate and regrettable.

    He, however, said Nonyia was not hired to do the job that took his life and that investigations were on.

    “The deceased was on illegal operation when the incident happened. The job he was doing when he died was not what he was hired for. He is a staff of Key Customer Group (KCG) team, and their function is more of customer relations management, and does not in any way entail meddling with the network, not to talk of climbing the pole. It is very unfortunate that he died carelessly.”

  • ‘My twin brother needs help’

    ‘My twin brother needs help’

    From Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

     

    Onyema Ononiwu has called on Governor Nyesom Wike to intervene in the case involving his brother, Samson, so he can be released from illegal detention.

    According to Onyema, his brother tried to rescue two soldiers from hoodlums identified as members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Oyigbo Local Government Area.

    The Nation earlier reported how Ononiwu, a cobbler, was injured while trying to protect the soldiers. He was said to be indoors at his 15 Charles Ibe Street residence when the soldiers scaled the fence and entered his room through the back door during the #EndSARS protest.

    Onyema had said: “The soldiers remained in my brother’s room, which he also uses as a workshop. He is a cobbler.

    “Those hoodlums started circling the building and refused to go away. The hoodlums pulled down the door and my brother got a deep cut in his head. They wanted to cut off his head but one of them said he was not a soldier so he escaped. But the soldiers were killed and their rifles taken away.

    “The hoodlums later burnt my brother’s property, including his occupational tools.”

    Onyema, however, said the Army has since detained his brother and kept him incommunicado.

    He said: “My brother has been in trauma since the incident. But when report of his experience was published, the Army requested to see him and I took him to a DSS operative who handed him over to a major. I took him there on Monday and the officer promised to release him on Tuesday as he would help with their investigations.

    “But the major refused to release him, even till now. His phones were seized and they have denied access to him. I am surprised at how he is being treated. What Samson needs is help and not more trauma. Even if they don’t want to help him, they should free him.”

    Spokesman of the 6 Battalion Maj. Charles Ekeocha could not be reached for comments.

     

  • Abia council set ablaze

    Abia council set ablaze

    From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

    Headquarters of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State was yesterday set ablaze by arsonists.

    Among early callers to the scene were Chief of Staff to the governor, Anthony Agbazuere, and the council’s Transition Committee Chairman Nkem Onwubiko, who were there to ascertain the level of damage.

    The Nation learnt the action might be a calculated plan to botch the council chairmanship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holding across the 17 councils today.

    Sources also said party members and faithful are against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate by ‘powers that be’.

    Some party faithful, who said they could not immediately attribute the action to the outcome of the party’s internal squabble, agreed that the party was having internal crisis over the choice of candidate.

    They, however, said the issue couldn’t have degenerated to the burning of the council.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, said the government will not give in to the antics of destructive elements.

    The statement reads: “Government condemns such acts, and will work to bring the perpetrators to book. The government does not wish to expend public funds in rebuilding the burnt facility to remind the perpetrators of their folly.

    “It the intention of the arsonists was to stop today’s PDP council primary, they have failed as the election will hold as planned.

    “No other development will be carried out in the council until the structure is restored. It therefore becomes the responsibility of all to cooperate with law enforcement agents to unravel the identity of the culprits.”

     

  • ‘ASUU will shun UNIPORT VC when tenure expires’

    ‘ASUU will shun UNIPORT VC when tenure expires’

    From Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

     

    Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has threatened to shun Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Okodudu if he remained in office beyond his stipulated term of six months as provided by the Universities Act 2003.

    The union said its decision followed the Federal Government’s refusal to constitute a Governing Council in the institution.

    Chairman Dr Austen Sado said yesterday: “The government is engineering a crisis in the University of Port Harcourt if it fails to constitute a Governing Council immediately. We can do without the impending crisis of legitimacy being orchestrated by the government.

    “ASUU will no longer cooperate with an acting Vice Chancellor beyond January 13, 2021. From the provisions of the Act stated above, the Governing Council is pivotal to the appointment of a Vice Chancellor in our university. Sadly, the government dissolved the Governing Council on May 2020 and, in violation of the Universities (miscellaneous provision) Law, refused to constitute another Council…”

    “The Accountant-General of the Federation and their collaborators have also complicated the situation by withholding our members’ salaries to blackmail us into enrolling on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) even after our union submitted the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to it. For the avoidance of doubt, our members who have been subjected to up to eight months of hunger by the AGF are not even contemplating enrolment on IPPIS.”

  • NLNG donates N381m renal centre to hospital

    NLNG donates N381m renal centre to hospital

    The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has donated a renal centre worth N381 million to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) to support the hospital’s response to COVID-19.

    A statement yesterday by the General Manager (External Relations and Sustainable Development) Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams said the company was committed to supporting healthcare delivery in Rivers.

    Fatayi-Williams represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Tony Attah at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the hospital.

    She said: “The company is investing in the Bonny Community Health Insurance Programme (BCHIP) to improve access to quality healthcare. It is also investing in the Bonny Malaria Eradication Programme to cut down malaria-related mortality among women and children under-five, and to make Bonny Island Nigeria’s first malaria-free zone.

    “These interventions signified NLNG’s resolve to stand with the people and reciprocate their goodwill and support to the company over the years.”

     

     

  • Diri gets Assembly’s nod for N17b loan

    Diri gets Assembly’s nod for N17b loan

    From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has gotten the House of Assembly’s approval to get another N17 billion loan from multiple sources to fund his administration’s policies and programmes.

    The House of Assembly expeditiously granted the approval yesterday upon return from its long vacation.

    Checks at the official website of the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows that the state’s debt profile as at June 30 stood at N150.05 billion, while as at March 31, the debt stock was N154.951,999,955.49, indicating a marginal decline.

    The Assembly, on March 3, gave approval for Diri to borrow N2.9 billion from commercial banks to buy cars for himself and top government officials.

    The approval followed a motion by House Leader Monday Obolo (Southern Ijaw II) and seconded by Charles Daniel (Brass I).

    Diri, in two letters – October 26 and November 9, 2020 – addressed to the Speaker of the House, sought the House’ approval to access a N4 billion Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) counterpart fund and a N10 billion facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop oil palm potential.

    In another letter, the governor also urged the House to approve N3 billion as a revolving temporary credit facility, with a 12-month tenor to fund the financing gap when there is a shortfall in monthly revenue accruing to the state.

    The House also approved the governor’s request to appoint 10 additional special advisers.